Cybersex addiction: virtual diagnosis for a real problem
F. Fora Eroles

SUMMARY

Cybersex addiction is not catalogued as pathological behaviour by any international classification, in spite of the fact that they appear in the medical literature more and more studies about the subject. In the DSM-IV (1) the term “addiction” refers only to the “chemical” addictions to psychoactive substances (e.g., cocaine or marijuana). The called “social” addictions (gambling, shopping, work, sex or Internet) are not included, excepting the reference to gambling that is included in the diagnostic category of loss of control over impulses. An intense debate is under way over whether cybersex addiction should be included or not as a new diagnosis. The aim of this article is, first, to raise the debate that involves the conceptualization of this disorder and, second, to approach us to its diagnosis and treatment.

KEY WORDS

Cybersex, sexuality, addiction.